Shaft assembly



Dec. 2, 1958 T. F. WEIDNER 2,

SHAFT ASSEMBLY Filed April 25, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR; THOMAS F. WEIDNER ATTORNEY Uni ed States Patent 2,862,372 SHAFT ASSEMBLY Application April 25, 1957, Serial No. 655,461

.17 Claims. c1. 64-6) My invention relates to a driveshaft and more particularly'to an elongated collapsible drive shaft which extendsbetween and is connectable to axially aligned driven shafts.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application entitled Drive Shaft, filed March 18, 1957, Serial No. 646,639, now'abandoned and which application was assigned to the sameassignee as this application.

As can be appreciated, in many instances it is desirable to drive spaced axially aligned, rotatable shafts by means of a single rotatable drive shaft extending axially therebetween. In some such structures, such as continuous miners and loaders used in the coal industry, considerable wear of the drive shaft occurs so that it is necessary to replace the drive shaft. As can be appreciated it is desirable that replacement of the drive shaft be accomplished without requiring either of the driven shafts or r their supports to be disassembled in order to prevent the alignment of the driven shafts from being affected.

Accordingly one object of my invention is to provide a new and improved collapsible shaft assembly.

Another object of my invention is to provide a new and improved elongated drive shaft having axially retractable coupling sleeves at each of its ends to permit the drive shaft to be inserted between and connected to driven shafts at each of its ends.

Stillanother object of my invention is to provide a new and improved elongated drive shaft having retractable coupling sleeves at each of its ends which sleeves are retained in their extended positions by means of removable split spacer rings.

These and other objects of my invention will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof and the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partial cross sectional and partial side elevational view of a collapsible drive shaft, constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention, in its extended position to engage driven shafts at each of its ends;

Figure 2 is the same as Figure 1 with the collapsible drive shaft being shown in the retracted set from the aligned driven shafts;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the collapsible shaft as shown in Figure 1 taken substantially along the line 33 thereof;

Figure 4 is an. exploded perspective view of one end of the collapsible drive shaft and a driven shaft as shown in Figures 1 and 2; I

Figure 5 is a partial cross sectional and partial side elevational view of another collapsible drive shaft, constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention, in its extended position to engage driven shafts at each of its ends; r

position and olf- Figure 6 is the same as Figure 5 with 'the collapsible drive shaft being shown in the retracted position nd off. set from the aligned driven shafts. t

h 2,862,372 Patented Dec. 2, 1958 2 Referring to Figures 1 and 2 it will be noted that a collapsible drive shaft constructed. in accordance with the principles of my invention comprises an elongated shaft 2 having an elongated cylindrical central portion 3 with axially aligned elongated square portions 5 extending axially outwardly from each end thereof. The shaft 2 is of an overall length to be closely received between-the outer ends of two spaced, axially'aligned, square driven shaft portions 4 which are the same size as the square portions 5 of the shaft 2 and are rotatably supportedin any suitable manner, not shown, as is well known in the art, within spaced housings 6. For the purposes of my invention the housings 6 may comprise separate members or may be integral parts of a larger machine structure which are desired to support shaft portions 4 to be driven from the single drive shaft 2.

As shown, a sprocket 8 is rigidly secured centrally of the central portion 3 of shaft 2 which has a plurality of spaced, radially outwardly extending teeth 19 to provide means for rotating the drive shaft 2 as is well known in the art. It is to be realized that the sprocket 8 is only one means for driving the shaft 2 and if desired other suitable means for such purpose may be provided as are well'known in the art. As shown, the sprocket 8 is provided with an elongated annular hub 10 having a bore of a diameter so as to be longitudinally slidable over and closely received on the shaft 2. Each end of the hub 10 is also provided with an'undercut portion 13 extending radially outwardly from the boreto provide longitudinally spaced ring flanges 12 spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the shaft 2. Although various materials may be employed in the described structure the shaft 2 and the sprocket 8 are preferably formed from steel whereby the hub 10 may readily be welded by means of continuous or spaced circumferential welds 25 to the shaft 2 within'the recesses 13. V I In order to provide means for engaging the shafts 4, elongated hollow coupling sleeves 20, are provided which are axially slidable over-the ends of the shaft 2 into engagement with the flanges 12 of the hub 10. As shown, each sleeve 20 comprisesan elongated circular innerpor-j tion 16 and an elongated circular outer portion 18 which may, as shown, have a larger outside diameter than the outside diameter of the inner portion 16. 7 Each sleeve 20 is providedwith an elongated bore 7 which extends entirely through the inner portion 16 and through a portion of the outerportion 18 adjacent the inner portion 16 for' a distance as'fully described hereinafter. Each bore 7 terminates in an inwardly located flat seat 9 and is axially aligned with the outer cylindrical surfaces of the inner'and outer portions 16 and 18. Also each bore 7 is of a diameter so as to be closelyislidably received ceived over the square portions 5 of the shaft 2 and the shaft portions 4. It will also be noted that each bore 11 isslightly less in length than the length of the square portions 5 of shaft 2.

In assembling my device the inner portion 16 of sleeves 20 are inserted over opposite ends of the shaft 2 and thereafter 'slipped axially along the shaft 2 until the free end of the inner'portion 16 engages a flange 12. In order to' permit such engagement the inner portions 16;are provided with an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the recesses 13. Also as the welds 25 for securing the sprocket 8 tothe central portion 3 'of the shaft 2 are located within the recesses 13, the welds 25 do not interfere with theaxial movement of 'siesvesao over the shaft 2..' It will also be noted that a circumferential groove 22 is provided on the inner portion 16 of each sleeve adjacent the end thereof which is of a size to receive an annular split snap ring .24therein as is-well known in the art. I V

As shown inFig, 2,:tubular slip rings 26 are slidably received overthe inner portions16 ofjthe sleeves20, respectively. The rings 26 are providedwith bores'lS of a diameter so as to be closely received over the outer surfaces of the inner portions 16 of sleeves 20 and are slipped over the inner portions 16 of the sleeves 20 prior to the insertion of the sleeves 20 over the ends of the shaft 2. This entire sub-assembly comprising the shaft 2 with the sprocket 8 secured thereto and the sleeves. 20 with the. rings 26 thereon is then placed: in" alignment with and between the aligned shaft portions 4 andthen the sleeves. 20 are moved axially outwardly of the shaft 2 over the shaftportions 4 in alignment therewith. In view of the cooperating square structures of the end portions 5, the shaft portions 4, and the bores 7 of sleeves 20 slidable thereover, power is transmittable upon rotation of the shaft 2 to the shaft portions 4= through the coupling sleeves 20. The outward movement of the sleeves 20 is limited due to the engagement of the outer ends of the sleeves 20 with the portions of the housings 6 adjacent the shaft portions 4.

In slipping the sleeves 20 over the shaftportions 4, the rings 26' are free to remain in their initial position adjacent the sides of the sprocket 8. In order to complete the structure of my invention it is necessary that the rings 26 be located on the inner portions 16 of the sleeves 20 in order that spacers may be inserted as hereinafter described. Accordingly, the outer portions 18 of the sleeves 20 are preferably of a larger diameter than the inner portions 16 to provide annular shoulders 32 engageable with the outer ends of the rings 26, respectively, whereby the rings 26 may be grasped to push the sleeves 20 outwardly and still retain the rings 26 on the inner portions 16.

Once the shaft portions 4 have been coupled to the shaft 2, and with the rings 26 retained on the inner portions 16 of the sleeves 20, the sleeves 20 may be retained in such position by inserting the spacers 30. As shown, the spacers 30 are semi-circular in form and are of identical construction so that when a pair of spacers 30'placed inabutting relationship they form a split ring having an inner diameter slightly, greater. than the outside diameter of the central portion 3 of the shaft.2 and an outer diameter substantially equal to the. outer. diameter of the inner portions 16. With such StI'llCe ture a pair of spacers 30 may be placed. around the central portion of the shaft 3 between each of the flanges 12v and the free. ends of the inner portions 16 of the sleeves 20, adjacent thereto. Inasmuch as the outside diameter of a pair of spacers 30 is the same asthe out-. side diameter of the inner portions 16 each. of the rings 26. may he slipped over a pair of spacers 30. into engagementwith the flange 12 inalignment therewith to -retain the spacers-3t] in such position. It will be. obvious that the axial lengthof a pair of spacers 30 will determine the location ofthe inner end of the adjacent; sleeve 20.

In order to retain the pairs of spacers 30in the. described location, the rings 26 are of a length greater; than the axial length of a pair of spacers 30 and,. as shown, are equal to-the distance between the outer end' of'a :flange 12:andthe adjacent side of a groove 22 in the inner por-u tion 16. Withthe'rings 26' so located the. split snapre'. tainingrings24 are inserted within the grooves 22' adjacenttheouter surfaces of the rings 26 to prevent any substantial axial movement of the ringsv 28. over 'the spacers 30; I

g In order to accomplish the purposes; of my invention certain other relationships between the various heretofore described components are required. Primarily as the bore 7 of each sleeve. 20 is closely received on. the.

central portion 3 of the shaft 2, the square end portions 5 cannot have a greater diagonal length than the diameter of the central portion 3. Thus, the square end portions 5 are formed by the inscribed square of the circle (Fig. 3) defined by the outside diameter of the central portion 3 of the shaft 2. Accordingly the bore 7 is also of a greater diameter than the diagonal of the bore 11. Since the bore 11 is closely received over the square end portions 5, the seat 9 of the inner end of the bore 7 will engage the outer end of the central portion 3 of the shaft 2 to limit the axially inward travel of the sleeves 20. It is also desirable to obtain the greatest'length of engagement between the sleeves 20 and the shaft portions 4; accordingly, the outer ends of the sleeves 20 are located closely adjacent the ends of the shaft 2, but are preferably spaced slightly inwardly thereof to permit easy insertion of the shaft 2 with the sleeves 20 thereon between the shaft portions 4. In view of the fact that the spacers 30 retain the sleeves 20 in their outward position, it will be obvious that the spacers 30 are of a length equal to the desired axial movement ofthe sleeves 20. Accordingly it will be noted that the length of spacers 30 is also equal to the distance between the end of the shaft 2 and the free end of the sleeve-20 in its. extended position, and is also equal to the distance between the outer end of the central portion 3 of the shaft 2. and the seat 9 when the sleeves 20 are. in their extended position. Finally. the length of the inner portion 16 of each sleeve 20 is greater. than the length of the rings 26 and consequently the lengths of the spacers 30 in order to permit the. insertion of the spacers 30 when the rings 26 are located. thereon.

A Thus, itiwillb'e noted that I have provided a simple compact structure for obtaining a collapsible shaft having substantial wear resistant components which may rapidly be. removed or inserted between two spaced shaft portions. Further, although I have described various components as being circular or square it is to'be notedthat various other geometric configurations which are coop erable in the same manner may be employed if desired. Removal of the shaft 2 from between the shaftpor'tions Amay'rea'dily be accomplished in the reverse manner. ;in which the shaft 2 is inserted as heretofore described. Thus'th'e snap rings 24 maybe removed from the sleeves 20, or if desired may merely'be enlarged and slipped outwardly over the-outer'surfaces of the inner portions of the sleeves 20. Upon removal. of the split rings 24; the rings 26 may then be moved axially over the: outer;

surface-ofth'e spacers 30 and onto theouter surface of the inner portion 16 of the sleeves 20.- In view'of the split construction of the spacers 30, such movement. of the rings26 permits the spacers '30 to be easily removed. Uponremovalof the spacers 30 the sleeves-20 are then moved axially inwardly over the outer surface of. the centralportion 3 of the shaft 2into engagement with the fianges'1 2 of the hub' of 10 so that the bore 11 disengages' the shaftportions 4. Inasmuch as the sleeves 201m their retractableposition have an overall length between opposite ends which is less than the overall length of the shaft 2, which in turn is'less than the distance between the free ends of the shaft portions 4, the entire assembly. may readily be removed.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrateanother collapsible drive shaft constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention in which like components as heretofore described have been given the same-reference numerals and components whichare similar to the components heretoforedescribed have been given the same reference numeral primed. As shown,- the drive shaft'comprises anelongated circular shaft 2 of an overall length to be closely received between the outer ends of two spaced, axially aligned; driven shaft portions 4' which are rotatably sup} ported in any suitable manner, not shown, 'as'iswell known in: theart, within-spaced housings 6 as heretofore described. Eor. the purposes of my invention the shaft portions 4' may be of any suitable configuration to permit driving engagement thereof such as by providing the shaft portions 4' with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending keyways 40. v

In order to provide means for engaging the shaft portions 4 elongated hollow coupling sleeves 20' are provided which are axially slidable over opposite ends of the shaft 2into engagement with each other. As shown, each sleeve 20 comprises an elongated circular inner portion 16 having a bore of a size to be slidable over the shaft 2' and an elongated circular outer portion which has an elongatedinner portion 42 rigidly secured to the outer end of inner portion 16' and an elongated outer portion 44 which extends axially outward from the outer end of the inner portion 16'. The bore of each outer portion 44 is provided with a plurality of elongated keys 46 which extend axially through the outer portion 44 to the free end of the inner portion 16'. The keys 46 are circumferentially spaced from each other and are of a size so as to be slidable into the keyways 40. The sleeves 20 are preferably formed from a single piece of suitable materialsuch as steel and are secured to the inner portions 16, respectively, in any suitable manner such as by welding.

As shown, a circular sprocket 8' is rigidly secured to each sleeve 20 which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly extending teeth 19 to provide means for rotating each of the sleeves 20' as is well known in the art. It is to be realized that the sprockets 8' are only one means for driving the sleeves 20' and that if desired other suitable means for such purpose may be provided as are well known in the art. As shown, each sprocket 8; is secured axially inwardly from the inner end of the inner portion 16 of each sleeve 20'. Although various materials may be employed in the described structure the sleeves 20 and the sprockets 8' are preferably formed from steel they may readily be welded together by means of continuous or spaced circumferential welds 25.

In assembling my device the inner portion 16' of sleeves 20' are inserted over opposite ends of the shaft 2' and thereafter slipped axially along the shaft 2' until the inner ends of the inner portions 16 engage each other. In order to permit such engagement the inner portions 16 are substantially the same diameter. It will also be noted that a circumferential groove 22 is provided adjacent the inner end of each inner portion 16 which is of a size to receive an annular split snap ring 24 therein as is well known in the art. 1

As shown in Fig. 6 tubular slip rings 26 are slidably received 'over the outer surface of the inner portions 16' of the sleeves 20', respectively. The rings 26 are provided with bores 15 of a diameter so as to be closely received over the outer surfaces of the inner portions 16 of sleeves 20' between the sprockets 8' and the inner ends of the inner portions 16', respectively, and are slipped over the inner portions 16' of the sleeves 20 prior to the insertion of the sleeves 20' over the ends of the shaft '2'.

This entire subassembly comprising the shaft 2' and the sleeves 20' with the sprockets 8' secured thereto and the rings 26 thereon is then placed in alignment with and between the aligned shaft portions 4'. The sleeves 20' are then moved axially outwardly of the shaft 2 so that the outer portions 44 slide over the shaft portions 4', respectively, in alignment therewith. In view of the cooperating keyways 40 and keys 46, power is transmittable upon rotation of the sprockets 8 to the sleeves 20 and then to the shaft portions 4'. The outward movement of the sleeves 20' is limited due to the engagement of the outer ends of the sleeves 20' with the portions of the housings 6 adjacent the shaft portions 4'.

Once the shaft portions 4' have been coupled to th outer portions 44 of the sleevesv 20' with the rings 26 retained on the inner portions 16 thereof, the sleeves 29' may be retained in such position by inserting a single pair of-elongated spacers 39' (only one of which is shown in Fig. -)-between the inner ends of the inner portions 316' of the sleeves 20'. Eachof the spacers 30' are semicircular in form and are of identical construction so having an inner diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the shaft 2 and an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner portions 16'. Inasmuch as the outside diameter of a pair of spacers 30' is the same as the outside diameter of the inner portions 16 each of the rings 26 are then slipped over the engaged spacers 30 into abutting engagement with each other to retain the spacers 30' in such position. With the rings 26 so located the split snap retaining rings 24 are inserted within the grooves 22'adjacent the outer ends of the rings 26 to prevent any substantial axial movement of the rings 26 over the spacers 30'. It will be obvious that the axial length of a pair of spacers 30 will determine the location of and spacing between the inner ends of the sleeves 20'. Also, in order to retain the abutting spacers 30' in the described location, the axially abutting rings 26 are of a combined axial length which is greater than the axial length of a pair of spacers 30' and which is substantially equal to the distance between the spaced grooves 22 in the inner portions 16'.

In a drive shaft, such as that shown, it is desirable to obtain the greatest length of engagement between the outer portion 44 and the shaft portions 4'; accordingly, the outer ends of the sleeves 20' are located closely adjacent the ends of the shaft 2' but are preferably spaced slightly inwardly thereof to permit easy insertion of the shaft 2' with the sleeves 20 thereon between the shaft portions 4'. Accordingly, each of the sleeves 20 has an overall length somewhat less than one half the length of the shaft 2'. In view of the fact that the spacers 30 retain the sleeves 20 in their outward position, it will be obvious that the spacers 30' are of a length equal to twice the desired axial movement of a sleeve 20'. The spacers 30 also have a length'equal to the total distance between the ends of the shaft 2' and the free ends of the sleeves 20 in their extended position.

Removal of the'sleeves 20' from between the shaft portions 4 may readily be accomplished in the reverse manner in which the sleeves 20' are inserted as hereto fore described. Thus the snap rings 24 maybe removed from the sleeves 20, or if desired may merely be enlarged and slipped outwardly over the outer surfaces of the inner portions 16 of the sleeves 20'. Upon removal of the split rings 24, the rings26 may then be moved axially over the outer surface of the spacers 3t) and onto the outer surface of the inner portions 16 of the sleeves. 20'. In view of the split construction of the spacers 30' such movement of the rings 26 permits the spacers 30' to be easily removed laterally of the shaft 2'. Upon removal of the spacers 30 the sleeves 20' are then moved axially inwardly over the outer surface of the shaft 2 into engagement with each other so that the keys 46 disengage the keyways 49 of the shaft portions 4'. Inasmuch as the sleeves 20' in their retractable position have an overall length which is less than the overall length of the shaft 2', which is less than the distance between the free ends of the shaft portions 4', the entire assembly may readily be removed.

Having described preferred embodiments of my invention in accordance with the patent statutes, it is to be realized that modifications thereof may be made without departing from the broad spirit of my invention. Accordingly, it is respectfully requested that my invention be interpreted as broadly as possible and as limited only by the prior art.

I claim as my invention: I

1. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft having an outwardly extending intermediate hub portion, a pair of elongated sleeves having an opening extending axially therethrough, each of said sleeves being of a length to be inserted over an'end of said shaft and located between such end of said shaft and the side of said hub portion adjacent thereto, hollow means closely slid- 4 ably received on an outer surface of said sleeves adjacent said sides of said hub portion, respectively, said outer surfaces of said sleeves being of a greater length than the length of said hollow means cooperable therewith, said sleeves being movable outwardly from said hub portion to expose. a portion of said shaft adjacent each side of said' hub portion, split spacer means encircling said portions of said shaft, respectively, the ends of which extend between the sides of said hub portion and the adjacent ends of said sleeves, said spacer means having an outer contour of a configuration to permit said hollow means to be slipped thereover, respectively, means engageable with said sleeves and said hollow means cooperable therewith, respectively, to hold said hollow means in a location to encircle said spacer means, and the outer ends of said shaft and the ends of said sleeves remote from said hub portion having elongated formed cooperable portions of a configuration to permit power to be transmitted to said sleeves upon rotation of said shaft.

2. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft having an outwardly extending hub portion, an elongated sleeve having an opening extending axially therethrough, said sleeve being inserted over an end of said shaft into engagement with said hub portion, hollow means closely slidably received on an outer surface of said sleeve adjacent said hub portion, said outer surface of said sleeve being of a greater length than the length of said hollow means cooperable therewith, said sleeve being movable outwardly from said hub portion to expose a portion of said shaft adjacent said hub portion, split spacer means encircling said portion of said shaft the ends of which extend between the side of said hub portion and the adjacent end of said sleeve, said spacer means having an outer contour of a configuration to permit said hollow means to he slipped thereover, means engageable with said sleeve and said hollow means cooperable therewith to hold said hollow means in a location to encircle said spacer means, and the ends of said shaft and said sleeve remote from said hub portion having elongated formed cooperable portions of a configuration to permit power to be transmitted to said sleeve upon'rotation of said shaft.

3. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft having an outwardly extending intermediate hub portion, a pair of elongated sleeves having an opening extending axially therethrough, each of said sleeves being inserted over an end of said shaft, hollow means closely slidably received on an outer surface of said sleeves adjacent said sides of said hub portion, respectively, said outer surfaces of said sleeves being of a greater length than the length of said hollow means cooperable therewith, said sleeves being movable outwardly from said hub portion to expose a portion of said shaft adjacent each side of said hub portion, split spacer means encircling said portions of said shaft, respectively, the ends of which extend between the sides of said hu-b portion and the adjacent ends of said sleeves, said spacer means having an outer contour of a configuration to permit said hollow means to be slipped thereover, respectively, means engageable with said sleeves and said hollow means cooperable therewith, respectively, to hold said hollow means in a location to encircle said spacer means, and the outer ends'of said shaft and the ends of said sleeves remote from said hub portion having elongated formed cooperable portions of a configuration to permit power to be transmitted to said sleeves upon rotation of said shaft.

4. A drive shaft assembly comprising'a drive shaft having an end driving portion, a coaxial'tubular member surrounding said shaft and connected to said shaft for rotation therewith and for axial movement relative thereto while remaining connected to said-shaft, a driven element aligned with said shaft and to which said tubular member is attachable whereby said driven element may be driven by said' shaft through said tubular member, deta'ehable means to permit said tubular member to be moved axially relative to said shaft to disconnect said tubular member from said driven element, and releasable means for holding said detachable means in position to prevent such release of said tubular member from said driven element during driving of the latter.

5. A drive shaft assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said'detachabl'e means comprises cooperating removable elements surrounding said drive shaft and axially abutting said tubular member.

6. A drive shaft assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said releasable means includes a member surrounding said tubular member and said cooperating removable elements for holding said cooperating removable elements in operative positions, said last mentioned surrounding member being shiftable axially relative to said tubular member to permit detachment of said cooperating removable elements.

7. A drive shaft assembly asset forth in claim 6 wherein said releasable means include cooperating holding elements on .said tubular member, one of which axially abuts said last mentioned surrounding member and releasable to permit movement of said last mentioned surrounding member relative to said tubular member.

8. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft, a pair ofelongated sleeve having an opening extending axially therethrough, each of said sleeves being of a length to be inserted over an end of said shaft and located between the ends thereof in axially abutting relationship, hollow means closely slidably received on an outer surface of said sleeves adjacent the engageable ends thereof, respectively, said outer surfaces of said sleeves being of a greater length than the length of said hollow means cooperable therewith, said sleeves being movable outwardly from each other to expose a portion of said shafttherebetween, split spacer means encircling said portions of said shaft, respectively, the ends of which extend between said ends of said sleeves, said spacer meanshaving an outer contour of a configuration to permit said hollow means to he slipped thereover, respectively, means engageable with said sleeves and said hollow means cooperable therewith, respectively, to hold said hollow means in a location to encircle said spacer means, and the outer ends of said sleeves having formed cooperable portions of a configuration to permit power to be transmitted thereby;

9. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft member having an elongated tubular sleeve member slidable axially over the outer surface thereof, said sleeve member having a'portion extending axially inwardly from one of itsends which-is of a' configuration to cause rotation' of a driven mean upon rotation of said sleeve member, means on at least one of said members to cause rotation of said sleeve member, means detachably secured to said shaft member to locate said axially extending portion of said sleeve member outwardly of said shaft member, and releasable means for holding said detachably secured means in position to hold said shaft member in said location.

10. A drive shaft assembly comprising an elongated shaft, a coaxial tubular member surrounding said shaft, said tubular member being movable axially outward of said shaft with its outer end engaging a driven element in axial alignment therewith to drive said driven element, elongated detachable means axially encompassing a portion of saidshaft with one end thereof engaging an inner portion of said tubular member and with the other end thereof engaging means to" restrain said detachable means against axial movement'away from said tubular member, and releasable means for holding said detachable means in engagement with saidinner portion to prevent said tubular member from moving axially inward during driving of said driven element.

11. A drive'shaft assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein'said releasable means includes a hollow member encompassing a portion of said tubular member which is axially movable to encompass said detachable means for holding said detachable means in said engagement.

12. A drive shaft assembly as set forth in claim wherein said releasable means also includes a snap ring engageable with the outer end of said hollow member and a groove in the outer periphery of said portion of said tubular member.

13. A drive shaft assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said releasable means includes a hollow member captively received in the inner portion of said tubular member which is axially movable to encompass said detachable means for holding said detachable means in said engagement.

14. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft, a pair of elongated sleeves of a length to be slidably received over the ends of said shaft, respectively, with their outer ends located between the ends of said shaft, said sleeves having the outer portions of the central openings thereof of a configuration to be cooperable with driven members, respectively, upon axially outward movement of said sleeves, split spacer means encircling said shaft between the inner ends of said sleeves after said outward movement thereof, and a pair of means engageable with said sleeves and said spacer means to hold said spacer means, respectively, between said sleeves.

15. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft, a pair of elongated sleeves of a length to be slidably received over the ends of said shaft, respectively, with their outer ends located between the ends of said shaft, said sleeves having the outer portions of the central openings thereof of a configuration to be cooperable with members in axial alignment therewith, respectively, upon axially outward movement of said sleeves, separable spacer means encompassing a portion of said shaft between the inner ends of said sleeves after said outward 10 movement thereof, and means engageable with said spacer means to hold said spacer means between said sleeves.

16. A shaft assembly comprising, an elongated shaft, a sleeve of a length to be slidably received over an end of said shaft so as to be located axially inwardly thereof, said sleeve having the axially outer portion thereof of a configuration to be cooperable with a member in axial alignment therewith, upon axially outward movement of said sleeve, separable spacer means encompassing a portion of said shaft axially inwardly of said sleeve after said axial outward movement thereof, and means engageable with said spacer means to hold said spacer means in fixed relationship with said shaft.

17. A drive shaft assembly comprising an elongated shaft, a coaxial tubular member surrounding said shaft, said tubular member being movable axially outward of said shaft with its outer end portion of the central opening thereof of a configuration to be cooperable with a driven element in axial alignment therewith to drive said driven element, elongated split spacer means axially encompassing a portion of said shaft with one end thereof engaging an inner portion of said tubular member and with the other end thereof engaging means to restrain said spacer means against axial movement away from said tubular member, and means for holding said spacer means in engagement with said inner portion to prevent said tubular member from moving axially inward during driving of said driven element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,136,947 Morgan Nov. 15, 1938 2,310,329 Tyler Feb. 9, 1943 2,380,113 Kuhns July 10, 1945 2,645,105 Bedson July 14, 1953 

